Fire Brigades Union called off Bonfire Night strike action

Following negotiations between the Brigade and the FBU today the union has agreed to call off the strike action that was planned for the Bonfire Night weekend and agreed to attend a meeting of the Resolution Advisory Panel, an independently-chaired body that can make recommendations to resolve the dispute.

“This is a sensible move,” said London’s fire authority Chairman Brian Coleman: “These strikes have always been unjustified, unnecessary and utterly avoidable.” London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson said: “My intention has always been to reach an agreement on proposals that will make Londoners safer and firefighters safer. Going to an independently-chaired body to help us seek a way forward is a step in the right direction.”

The meeting of the Resolution Advisory Panel is taking place on 16 November. If an agreement is reached, the Section 188 process of re-engaging firefighters on new terms and conditions will be withdrawn.